Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow

Jasper and Scruff are very excited about the ‘Reach Fur the Stars’ talent contest. Scruff plans to appear as ‘Scruff the Sensational’ and hopes Jasper will join him in his magic act. Jasper, however, has different, more refined, plans. The Sophisticats are also determined to get their paws on the Grand Prize and it soon becomes clear that something suspicious is going on. Can Jasper and Scruff team up to save the show?

This is the third adventure for Jasper and Scruff and their very endearing friendship that proves opposites attract. Scruff is full of boundless enthusiasm enthusiasm, throwing himself into everything he does. Jasper is far more cautious, considering his appearance and what others might think of him. But their friendship endures- Scruff never holds a grudge and Jasper can’t help but love his messy pal! When Scruff wins a place in the final, he is quick to include Jasper and so they are both ready to foil the dastardly deeds that are spoiling each performance, but one.

The story is generously illustrated with fun, colourful pictures throughout and the story is full of humour. It would make an excellent read aloud, but is also perfect for newly independent readers with an achievable amount of text on each page and plenty of interesting vocabulary. There is plenty to engage with in the story as well. Children would enjoy learning some magic tricks (perhaps not sawing each other in half!) or putting on a talent show of their own. Making experimental milk shakes (maybe not salty vanilla!) would also be great fun!

Full of fabulous illustrations, ‘Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow’ is another magical adventure for this loveable duo!

Jasper and Scruff Take a Bow

Nicola Colton

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788952545

Jasper and Scruff

Jasper the cat has everything he could want- a lovely home in a fancy apartment building, a fabulous collection of patterned bow ties and a library of books arranged by colour. But what he really wants is to be a member of… the Sophisticats, a society of exceptional felines. When they accept his invitation to a dinner party, he is thrilled and knows this is his chance to impress them. However, when out shopping for the party, Jasper bumps into Scruff, a boisterous, drooling puppy who follows him home. As a result, Jasper’s carefully prepared evening does not go according to plan, but everything turns out for the best in the end.

This is a delightful, heart warming story about the importance of real friends. For all their self importance and supposed airs and graces, The Sophisticats soon show their true colours and it’s clear that the over-enthusiastic, scruffy pup who followed him home is by far the better friend for Jasper. Although Scruff disrupts Jasper’s ‘purr-fect’ life, he actually enriches it beyond measure and his creativity and energy make him just the right kind of friend.

Perfect for newly independent readers, ‘Jasper and Scruff’ is also an excellent story for starting discussions about friendships and what the ‘right’ friends might look like. It reminds us that we should give others a chance and that opposites really can attract. It’s so important to remain open to new experiences- and to new friends!

Full of delightfully quirky illustrations, ‘Jasper and Scruff’ is a delightful book which is bursting with humour and joy.

Jasper and Scruff

Nicola Colton

Stripes ISBN: 978-1788950695

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

Spontaneous Cyril has spent his time partying and having fun instead of gathering stores for the winter. Realising his cupboards are bare, Cyril spots one lone pine cone, ripe for plucking, and sets off to pick it. At the same time, 'Plan-Ahead Bruce' decides that the final thing he needs to complete his well stocked winter larder is the self-same pine cone!

Each sets off to claim their prize and the ensuing battle of the pine cone nearly leads to disaster!

The rhyming text bounces along as it follows the antics of these two nut-lovers. Rachel Bright's rich use of language includes alliteration and onomatopoeia- brilliant for listening to and great fun to read aloud! 

The illustrations are a pure delight! Full of details, each spread is a joy! Cyril and Bruce are just wonderful, each easily identifiable as a separate personality. 

A great way of gently pointing out the folly of silly squabbles, this book is sure to join 'The Lion Inside' and 'The Koala Who Could' as firm classroom favourites!

The Squirrels Who Squabbled   

Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field

Hachette Children's      ISBN: 978-1408340479

Into the Sideways World

 The quest to prove a mysterious creature exists takes Willa and her friend, Manny, into a cave one moonlit night. As the tide rises, they find themselves swept into an alternative world- a ‘perfect’ one where war and pollution are things of the past and everyone, including Willa’s family, seem to be happier versions of themselves. However, when they return, no one believes that their adventure took place and the contrast of their own world with a looming global conflict with the Sideways World becomes all the more poignant as they seek to prove it exists to those around them.

With a book like this, it is essential that a review does not give too much away so I proceed with that in mind! Willa and Manny are both outsiders in their world and find themselves drawn together. Each has their own problems- Manny has been in the care system, has never met his father and has no idea where his mother is. Willa’s family is constantly fighting, with the family business under threat and the possibility of her father being called up to fight in the next war an ever-present threat. Each engages the reader, provoking empathy as they deal with their ‘real’ lives and are thrust into the seemingly perfect sideways alternative.

The story offers thought provoking philosophical questions to explore and presents some fairly mind-boggling scientific theories and concepts making it an appealing read for those looking for a read which offers a challenge and something a little different. An engaging and absorbing read.

Into the Sideways World

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008333843

Paper Planes

Mia and Ben are best friends. They live next door to each other and do everything together, but the thing they most enjoy is making paper planes. But one day, Ben tells Mia that his family are moving far away. They swap planes before saying goodbye, but each is lonely without the other. In anger, Mia destroys Ben’s plane, but is brought comfort in a dream where the two meet, flying their planes together. The following morning, a parcel arrives from Ben, asking for her help to complete a plane he has made by adding wings. So although they were not together, they could still make planes and still be friends.

This is such a delightful story in so many ways. It is a story about the warmth of friendship, the joy of sharing a hobby and the wonder of nature. It is also about the pain of separation- the frustration and misery of being apart from that best friend. Ultimately, it is a story of hope- their friendship survives despite the distance and they realise they can continue to share their interests. It is gently told, but all the more poignant for this

The illustrations are wonderful, perfectly depicting the friendship between Mia and Ben, their emotions and the changing seasons. Muted colours are perfect for the mood of the story and there are many details to enjoy, including the dogs whose feelings mirror those of the children perfectly. Quite simply, it is a delight from cover to cover!

‘Paper Planes’ is a beautifully illustrated, poignant tale of friendship and creativity.

Paper Planes

Jim Helmore, illustrated by Richard Jones

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471173875

Perdu

Perdu is a little dog with nothing but an old red scarf. He is lost and alone and so makes his way to the city in search of somewhere to call home. But the city is busy and noisy and frightening for a little dog on his own. Will he find a safe place and someone to love?

This is such a beautiful story which captures a deep sense of loneliness and longing for a home. Perdu (French for ‘lost’) is small and vulnerable, instantly inspiring empathy as he makes his solitary way first through the countryside and then through the city. His sense of isolation is emphasised by the stunning artwork, but the sharp eyed will notice that someone is paying attention to Perdu. A little girl in a red bobble hat has spotted him and keeps trying to draw her mother’s attention to him. She shows patience and kindness, returning his lost red scarf when he is distressed and at last, Perdu has found his safe place.

The illustrations are simply stunning, making this a wonderful story to linger over and explore the other stories being told. Perdu becomes increasingly forlorn as he searches until he curls up in ‘a scared little ball of worry’. The final spread also shows him curled up, but this time safe in a cosy basket of his own by the little girl’s bed. The story makes the perfect starting point for conversations about homelessness and loneliness as well as animal welfare.

‘Perdu’ is a delightful, heart-warming story to share and enjoy again and again.

Perdu Richard Jones

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471181269